Marigold Seeds: How to Save Marigold Seeds for Next Year's Garden

Certified Organic French Brocade Marigolds. Marigolds are popular companion plants that many gardeners grow because they may help discourage certain garden pests while attracting beneficial insects.  These flowers are keepers in my garden --- not only drought tolerant, but very hardy.

How to Save Marigold Seeds for Next Year's Garden

One of my favorite things about gardening is discovering that some of the best investments only have to be made once. Marigolds are a perfect example. After planting just a couple of French Brocade marigolds, I was rewarded with enough seeds to fill my garden for years to come.

There's something incredibly satisfying about collecting your own seeds instead of ordering new packets every spring. Not only does it save money, but it also allows you to preserve varieties that have already proven themselves in your own garden.

Why I Always Plant Marigolds

Marigolds are more than just cheerful flowers. They're one of the hardest-working plants in my vegetable garden.

Some gardeners plant marigolds because they may help discourage certain garden pests and nematodes, while others simply enjoy attracting pollinators and beneficial insects. Whatever the reason, I've always found they make wonderful companion plants among tomatoes, peppers, beans, and other vegetables.

They also happen to be incredibly tough.

Even through long Texas summers, my marigolds continue blooming despite the heat and occasional drought. They're one of the easiest flowers I've ever grown.

How to Save Marigold Seeds

Saving seeds couldn't be much easier.

1. Allow the flowers to dry naturally on the plant.
2. Once the flower head is completely dry, gently pull it apart.
3. Remove the long, slender black-and-tan seeds.
4. Store the seeds in a labeled envelope or glass jar in a cool, dry place until spring.

Just two healthy marigold plants produced far more seeds than I'll ever need for one growing season. I'm hoping to trade a few with other gardeners and continue adding new heirloom flowers to my garden.

One of the joys of gardening is sharing. Whether it's vegetables, flowers, or seeds, there's something special about passing along a little piece of your garden to someone else.

And as an added bonus, our little chicks were growing quickly too. It's amazing how fast a homestead changes during the summer months!

Today, I managed to collect a bounty of seeds! What a great feeling to never have to order online these seeds again.

This was only from two plants! Hoping to find someone willing to swap organic flower seeds.

Freshly hatched natural pesticide!

Grilled a yummy burger today of sea salt, garlic, and Rosemary.